April 2nd

Highly radioactive water leaked into the sea from a crack at Japan's stricken nuclear power plant.

A 19-count federal racketeering indictment was returned against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who denied doing anything illegal.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Israel seized control of Bethlehem; Palestinian gunmen forced their way into the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, beginning a 39-day standoff.

Mob boss John Gotti was convicted in New York of murder and racketeering.

Several thousand Argentine troops seize the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands from Great Britain.

The science-fiction film "2001: A Space Odyssey" had its world premiere in Washington, D.C.

Ras Tafari Makonnen becomes Emperor Haile Selassie of Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany, saying, "The world must be made safe for democracy.".

Confederate President Jefferson Davis and most of his Cabinet fled the Confederate capital of Richmond, Va.

The first Italian Parliament met at Turin.

Author Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, Denmark.

Napoleonic Wars: naval Battle of Copenhagen - The British led by Horatio Nelson destroy the Danish fleet.

Ludwig van Beethoven's First Symphony is premiered. The German composer conducted the orchestra himself. The premiere received exceptionally positive reviews.

The Coinage Act is passed establishing the United States Mint and authorizing the $10 Eagle, $5 half-Eagle & 2.50 quarter-Eagle gold coins & silver dollar, ½ dollar, quarter, dime & half-dime.

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in Florida.

Mehmed II begins his siege of Constantinople (İstanbul), which falls May 29.